BBK Charity grant helps wheelchair rugby player tackle hilly hometown

The Bolt Burdon Kemp Charity exists to make a tangible difference to people’s lives, and Ian Hosking’s story shows what that support can mean in practice.

In a recent BBK Free Speech Podcast episode, Ian spoke to Rebecca Sheriff, Partner in BBK’s Abuse Team and Trustee of the charity, about how a BBK Charity grant helped fund a SmartDrive device that has improved his independence and mobility.

Giving back

The BBK Charity was established with a clear purpose: to give back. We support a wide range of causes, with a particular focus on assisting injured people and their families, backing local projects in and around our office in the City of London, widening access to the legal profession, and promoting equality, diversity and inclusion.

Each year, we invite applications from individuals and organisations, awarding grants ranging from £100 to £10,000 to those who can demonstrate how funding can make a tangible difference to their lives. Ian’s story is a powerful example of this in action.

How Ian came to apply

Ian first came across Bolt Burdon Kemp through our longstanding support for his local wheelchair rugby club. In 2025, he learnt about the BBK Charity and its mission. He initially shared the news with his teammates and, on reflection, realised that he too could benefit from a grant. That led to him submitting his own application.

The impact of the grant

With his successful application, Ian purchased a SmartDrive – an innovative power assisted device that attaches to the back of a manual wheelchair to provide forward propulsion. A key motivation for Ian was managing hills that had previously been too steep to ascend or descend safely, and too difficult for someone else to push.

Ian regularly travels to St Ives in Cornwall to visit his father, who is unwell. The area is hilly and many paths are cobbled, which creates significant challenges for him. Despite staying active through wheelchair rugby, these visits had become increasingly hard, but the extra push from SmartDrive has been a game changer in these situations.

How the SmartDrive works

SmartDrive is a user-friendly device that links to a smartwatch for control. To start, Ian taps his leg twice with his watch. The SmartDrive then increases the wheelchair’s speed gradually and when he reaches the desired speed, he taps once to maintain it. To turn the unit off, he repeats the two-tap motion. Ian’s wheelchair has a rigid frame, but he notes the device can also be attached to folding wheelchairs.

When Rebecca asked about the BBK Charity application process, Ian praised how easy it was, with applicants only needing to complete a simple form. Providing as much information as possible helps, particularly about why the grant is needed and how it will benefit the applicant. Although initially Ian requested £3,000 for a second-hand SmartDrive, we assessed Ian’s request and funded a new model, which cost approximately £5,000.

Looking ahead

The grant has not only made an immediate difference to Ian but will make life easier for him in the long term, especially during his visits to Cornwall. It arrived at exactly the right time, enabling him to see his father with fewer concerns about the terrain and easing the burden during a difficult period.

Ian’s experience illustrates what the BBK Charity is all about: practical support that helps injured individuals in a meaningful and lasting way. As Ian said in the podcast, we encourage anyone who may benefit to apply. If you, or someone you know, could benefit from a BBK Charity grant, do tell them about us. We are here to support and to help make a difference where it matters most.